Close Ad

Police Officers Can't Save an Elderly Man Pleading for Help - Backup Arrives from an Unlikely Place
Policeman writes ticket while looking at old man on porch with Home Depot in the background
Everyday Heroes

Police Officers Can't Save an Elderly Man Pleading for Help - Backup Arrives from an Unlikely Place

Fort Worth resident, 95-year-old Julius Hatley, was getting worried when the heat jumped to over 90 degrees. So, the veteran called the police to help. Little did they expect the backup they would receive to help him out!

The dog days of summer can be fun and exciting, but when it gets too hot, the weather can be dangerous especially to vulnerable communities, like senior citizens.

RELATED: Concerned Family Call Police on Elderly Man Who Wants to Drive Across America – The Cop Who Arrives Has Different Plans

Heat waves have cost many older people their lives, and it's vitally important for them to stay cool inside on the hottest days of the year.


One elderly man was trying to do just that when he realized he couldn’t cool down and called for help. The first responders who came to his aid may not have done what most people expect from police officers, and that's what made their gesture all the more important.

An Elderly Man Faced Deadly Texas Heat- So He Called the Cops

Flashing police overhead lights
(By Scott Rodgerson)

When the temperature rises in Texas, it can get seriously hot. The heat index can creep up to almost 100 degrees before noon, which can be downright deadly to people who can't handle it.

Julius Hatley, a 95-year-old veteran in Fort Worth was having one of those days, and he knew it would be best for him to stay cool inside his house. However, he found that, despite having air conditioning, his house was sweltering. So, he moved to his porch, hoping to try and find some cooler air -- but he was out of luck.

Not knowing what to do to escape the heat, he decided to call 911 for help. The dispatcher took his call, but didn’t consider it an emergency. Nevertheless, two officers who had some time that morning went to pay the old man a visit, and paid him a small kindness that he'll never forget.

How Home Depot Helped Friendly Policemen Save an Old Man from a Heat Wave

Policeman poses with older man and installs air conditioner in his window

Officers William Margolis and Christopher Weir decided to head to Hatley’s house at 8:30 am. When they arrived, it was already almost 90 degrees inside his home. Worried, they inspected the man’s air conditioning unit and found that it was broken beyond repair.

The two officers left Hatley’s home without offering an immediate solution. But they couldn’t shake their concern.

RELATED: Chronically Ill Elderly Man’s Car Is Stolen – Stranger Steps in With Best Response After Hearing His Story

Margolis and Weir decided to go to Home Depot themselves and see what he could get for Hatley with his own money that might help cool him down. Once there, they explained the situation to the employees and asked for recommendations.

The Home Depot staff was so touched by what the officers were doing that they offered to pool some of their own money to help Hatley as well. The team contributed $150. 

A Texas Community Came Together to Help a Veteran in Need

The officers’ kindness didn’t stop when they purchased the air conditioner. They also recruited another colleague, Steven Robrovich, to help them install everything in Hatley’s house. Hatley was over the moon, extremely grateful for what the officers were doing for him.

“[Hatley] was actually really excited," said Officer Margolis. "He said he knew if he needed help to call 911, and we actually were able to help him, so he was really excited about that.”

The officers shared the story on social media, where it went viral. The outcome was an outpouring of even more help for the elderly veteran.

“Since the story [was first shared], we have all worked on getting [Hatley’s] central air replaced," Officer Weir’s wife. "A company came forward to do so, completely for free. We are currently working on getting his windows replaced, his house repainted, and groceries every week.”

The community really came together to help Julius Hatley in his time of need. He phoned 911, knowing that he had access to support, and did they ever show up! The officers, as well as the Home Depot employees, inspire us with their generosity, just as they did with their community. 

KEEP READING:

Police Officers Notice Homeless Mom Living With Her Kids Behind Walmart – What They Do Next Brings Her to Tears

Hot Stories

Leonardo DiCaprio Told Kate Winslet To “Let The Fat Girl Thing Go”
Leo Dicaprio Told Kate Winslet To “Let The Fat Girl Thing Go” …

Forced to feel ashamed for her weight and appearance, Kate Winslet struggled with her body image for years. The media loved to tease her for being “the fat girl,” but there was ONE PERSON who saw the real her. What did Leo see in Kate? And what important message does Kate have for young women everywhere?


Keep ReadingShow less
Videos
Woman at a restaurant's window and two teen employees.

Teens Applauded For the Way They Handled This Angry Customer

Instagram/ @kekessnowballs

Working in customer service can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with rude and demanding clients. That’s particularly true for some teens, who work these jobs for part-time money and are often bullied by adults. Perhaps that’s why people are applauding these teen girls for the way they expertly handled an over-the-top customer.

Keep ReadingShow less
Uplifting News
Man standing with two daughters, a black purse and a handwritten note (inset)

Grieving Daughter Finds Note In Fossil Purse While Thrifting

Courtesy Anna Harp and Courtesy of Abrielle Clausing (via People.com)

Thrifting can net all sorts of treasures. Shoppers can snatch up everything from vintage clothes to mid-century modern furniture to kitschy knick-knacks, all without breaking the bank.

But for one grieving woman, she found a hidden gem that was truly priceless.

Keep ReadingShow less
Uplifting News